Guess what? I found another great Jenny. While surfing around the World Wide Web I stumbled onto a blog titled 867-53oh9. That's my song! Click here or here or even here to visit her site. She seems like a person I want to know. Besides the fact that she has a great name.
Anyway...the first time I found her blog the post was titled "This post is brought to you by the letter C". Can't you just hear Big Bird saying it? Boy I can. I love Big Bird and I love Cookie Monster and he will forever be Cookie Monster to me. (Even before they changed his name he loved vegis!)
So Jenny tagged me (ok, so I asked for it…whatever!) for a letter.
I have the letter K.
Be patient please because I may have taken a few liberties with the sound of the letter K. And possibly it's placement in the word...
Kids! ~All kids, but mine especially. They really rock, and I really like them.
Kleetus Kleetus takes me on incredible adventures
MiKe (come on its a K!) Fashionista says he's Kewl!! (use your Hooked on Phonics skills, NOW do you get it?) Kites on the beach (Yes that's Fashionista flying a Barbie Kite) Kool-Aid Mom Well, I might not be but it was my dream to grow up and be a Mom Check it out...My dream came true. Kiwi Such a great addition to your favorite smoothy!Kaleidoscope T-Shirts (It works. You see, Tye-Dye isn't a K word but it looks like a Kaleidoscope!) ~If you've never made a Kaleidoscope or Tye-Dye t-shirt you should. Someday I may have a how to on this blog!Ketchup Well, it's not really on my list but Coolio loves ketchup and puts it on everything. His friend gave him this shirt.Kool Aid Oh Yeah!Killer Bunnies New Kid brought this game to our house~ it's pretty fun.
That's it, ten K things that complete me. What letter do you want? Let me know and you'll be on your way to fame and fortune!
Go ahead, read the sign. I'll wait. Now, if that description isn't enough to getcha then just keep on reading.
I've heard Gelato described as the goo they scrape off the insides of wine barrels. Sooo not true. This stuff is like homemade ice cream only better.
Thanks dug. dug is the guy who convinced me that I should try Gelato. Who is dug?
I don't know.
He lives in Utah, skis, bicycles, loves toilets and candy... and has a very patient wife. I like to read dug's blog. It's simple, down to earth and goofy. Sometimes Cycle Guy tells me, "Don't read dug today." He is my parental block. Then I know that the toilet talk has gone a little too far for my naivete. Click here to link to dug's blog. Don't worry, I linked you to a good one about candy. Chocolate covered cinnamon bears. hmmmm.
dug loves his Harmon's supermarket. Click here to hear him rave.
Well, to fulfill my own curiosity and at the request of my husband, I asked Jill to take me to this (dug's) Harmon's. The main reason for our visit was to see what all the excitement was about Gelato.
This is what I was expecting.
Okay, that's not very focused. But you know, when you go to a convenience store or buffet and they have a soft ice cream machine where you get your own cup or cone and fill it up? Nope.
This is what I saw.
What is that? Like 18 flavors. So many choices. Of course the girl behind the counter said we could taste them. I'm really trying to be a grown up these days. So I tell myself, "you can try one." I wanted to try them all. I wish I would have, who needs to be adult anyway? I tried Blood Orange. Very sherbety. Very orangey. Not bad at all. That's what I ordered. So grown up. So mature.
Check it out, she even stuck a yummy little tubular wafer in the top. Fancy! When I looked at that cup I thought, "wait, we need these to go". We were on the road to the airport. So I asked, "Are those cups disposable?" "Yes," the Gelato Girl replied, smiling, "and dishwasher safe!" That's all I needed to hear. Those cute little cups flew home with me.
Jill tried and ordered Mixed Berry. She gave me a taste. Even BETTER. Wish I had tried that one first! It was rich and creamy. Waaaay better than mine. It's okay though. Mine was good too and I'm a grown up so I didn't throw a fit and ask her to trade. I wonder though because she gave me her last few bites.
I wish this was my neighborhood Supermarket. We don't even have Harmon's where I live. No I am not whining. I'm too grown up for that.
Tonight Cycle Guy and I are going into the city. I may spend my entire day searching the web for places in Seattle who serve Gelato. He must try it and I need to try it again and again and again.
Do me a favor, if you are ever traveling through Utah. Make a stop at the Draper Harmon's. Maybe they should change the name to dug's Harmon's. (It's right at the junction of I-15 and Bangerter Highway.) Try the gelato. Oh... but maybe there are other gelato counters around... find them. taste it. savor it. And then come back here and tell me all about it.
Jill is my little sister. I'm pretty sure she doesn't like being the little sister. You know... no matter how old you are... you are the youngest. You need to be taken care of. People somehow think they need to watch out for you.
Well, that's not the case with Jill. Jill is a successful business woman. People call her with questions of how to handle things and what to do about problems at work. She is highly respected and admired in her community.
She could be an interior decorator and a fashion designer. I wish I would have taken pictures of her house while I was there. So classy and yet...comfortable.
She has traveled the world and viewed Theatre in Broadway, London, Seattle and beyond. She took my kids to see Joseph and the technicolor dream coat. She has taken me to Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and Les Miserables. Before she showed me the light, I didn't care if I never saw anything like that. I have changed. Now I want to see them all.
Jill is also an avid genealogist. She has compiled at least two books of family history and tells stories of ancestors from several generations in a way that you feel she truly knows them. Because of her, we have all been able to know and appreciate our heritage!
I got to spend some time with Jill on my recent trip to Utah and I've decided I want to be like her when I grow up. (Wait, she's my little sister....hmmmm)
This is Jill eating gelato at Harmon's in Draper.
(Oh I have a whole entry planned on the joys of gelato!!
My big sister and I just realized we have a virtual life...(I call her my big sister even though she's tiny, petite and cute. Because she's older which means that once many years ago she was bigger. I say it counts and since this is my virtual world...it counts. Also, she's about to be a grandma.)
Since we (my big sister and me) entered the blogosphere it seems we don't "live" our lives anymore... we live to create a good blog entry. When we talk on the phone we say things like, "Hey, you could blog about that." and "That would be a good blog title."
I'm now living a virtual life. But I've decided that it's not a new thing... don't many of us live some sort of virtual life or other?
For instance, my Mom and a couple of sisters in law scrapbook. Ooohhhh has that word evolved to become an insanely beautiful craft. It's a science. It's a valuable art. It's just plain sad to shut this beauty up in a book. Maybe you "scrapbookers" out there should open up your books and display them in the Smithsonian! They sure beat anything Picaso ever did.
Anyway, scrapbooking seems to be its own virtual life. Come on now... you know you plan your childrens outfits, which way you hold the camera and where you go by the pages you have already designed in your head (or as Jenny says already made in the book just waiting for the photos.)
Jenny is my amazing Sister in law. Yes, her name is Jenny. My brother loves me sooo much that he needed to keep my name close forevermore. She is amazing in so many ways including living with my pesky brother. He's great... just a little pesky.
Kim, another scrapbooker and remarkable sister in law has 9 kids, a menagerie of pets, first grade twins, a grandchild and lives with my brother. I never cease to admire these women.
Another brother and his wife are runners. And yes another incredible sister in law. She runs, she bikes, she bakes, she's an awesome mom, she's gorgeous. Her name is Rhonda.
By the way, Jenny runs too. Everyday. How?
Do you runners find yourselves living to get to the next run? (although I can't imagine how, running hurts) Are you planning your next run while you sit in meetings at work? Looking out the window gauging the layers you will or won't have to wear to be comfortable as you sprint through town. Getting up early enough to run before the man leaves for work? Do you spend your day thinking about the next run?
I like to ride my bike and I'm training for a big ride this summer but my man is a cyclist. Here's an example of his thought process through a day at work. "Weather's supposed to be good this afternoon, if I get home early and make dinner then maybe I can get 20 miles in before dark. That means I'll have to drink at least 96 ounces of water today. Okay, I have a meeting at 9. Better wait until after that to start drinking or I won't be able to sit through the whole thing without a "nature" break. Ooh I should have had spaghetti for breakfast, need to carb up for the century I'm doing on Saturday. (looking at route maps on laptop) I heard there was a good route through that part of the state, I wonder how steep those climbs are, that could give me some good descents, I wonder just how fast I can get this new bike to go."
I think about blogging. Well, and cycling, and baking, and reading, and photography, and kids, not laundry...that is just constantly forcing its way into my head without permission. Sometimes it forces its way through my nose. You know that damp rag under a pile of towels waiting impatiently for its turn in the washer. I am grateful daily for the inventor of the electric washer, and indoor plumbing, and Tylenol.
Do you have a virtual life? You know that thing that keeps you going through the mundane and less exciting parts of your day? I want to hear about it, because along with writing a blog comes the constant need to check for comments. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only blogger who gauges their self worth on comment count.
This is my Mom and Dad. They are the best parents in the world. On March 20, 2009 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
They are amazing people. They have built an astounding world full of more truly great people. Six children, 24 grandchildren, 1 and 8/9 great grandchildren. Successful, happy people. How did they do it?
Example, respect, kindness and love.
Growing up we had breakfast and dinner together every day. Each of these began with the family kneeling together for family prayer. Never underestimate the power of a family meal. After church every week during Sunday dinner we like to ask the kids what they learned in their classes.
I learned recently that my parents did the same thing ~for a while~ when we were kids. But because of one female middle child who shall remain nameless they had to stop. Why, you ask? Because nobody else ever got a chance to talk. Honestly, when Mom started to tell that story I thought the culprit would have been my oldest brother. What do you mean, I was the talker??
Our friends were always welcome in our parents home. We had sleepovers, birthday parties, 4-H, and boy scouts. When we went off to college we brought friends home for Thanksgiving.
That's when my Mom fell in love with Cycle Guy. Thanksgiving 1986. It took me just a little longer.
Mom always has beautiful flower gardens and Dad keeps a huge vegetable garden. Grandkids love to visit with Grandpa in the garden and look for fairies with Grandma in the flowers.
Once when I was a teenager, I was so excited to have beaten a boy at pool and my Mom told me that I should let boys win. Nice idea, manners, but I was an 80's woman and took great pride in beating a boy at pool.
Cycle Guy frequently reminds me that my Mom says I should let boys win. Hmmmm... Nope.
Life was happy growing up in their home. Life is happy now visiting in their home. Thanks Mom and Dad for teaching me that Life is Good.
Happy Birthday Cycle Guy!! Cycle Guys dream bike waiting for him to wake up.
CG's first reaction when he sees "The Bike"
A Match made in Heaven. Since I knew CG would want to spend as much of his big day with his new friend, "The Bike" from here on known as "Lightning". I made his special dinner yesterday. Egg Rolls. A wonderful accompaniment would have been Fried Rice. Time got away from me, we just had Egg Rolls. Everyone devoured them so I guess they were fine alone!
Tower of Egg Rolls
Every year CG requests Eggrolls for his birthday dinner. Since I'm the best wife the world has ever known...I make them for him.
I kind of like him.
How to make Cycle Guys favorite meal:
Cut Chicken into small pieces.Chop Cabbage into fine shredsCycle Guy doesn't like bamboo shoots. Mix the following ingredients and add to chicken. let sit for 20-30 minutes. More flavor will be absorbed if you marinate it longer. 3 Tbls Soy Sauce 1 tsp Sugar 1 tsp Cornstarch 1/2 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder 1-1 1/2 tsp bullion Powder or 1 cube bullion Forgot to take a pic of the chicken marinating or cooking. Cook in a little oil in a hot pan. Then set aside. Cook the Cabbage (and bamboo shoots) in hot oil. Tender/Crisp. Tender/Crisp? That means that you cook it slightly but keep a little of the crisp, fresh crunch. No sauerkraut here.
Mix Chicken and Cabbage together and cool slightly. Do not refrigerate. Heat oil in large skillet or electric frying pan, about 1/2 inch deep. 350-375 degrees.
Open WrapsPlace a small amount of filling on the center of wrap. Wet fingers in waterUsing wet fingers, wet the top two edges of wrap.Fold bottom corner up around filling Wet two side corners and fold them in like an open envelopeRoll up and close the envelope. (hmmm. don't know how that pic got turned...) The wet edges will work like an adhesive and keep it closed.When oil reaches 350 place Egg Rolls carefully in Oil.Watch closely and turn when they become a dark golden brown.Don't under cook. Just not as yummy when they don't crunch. Drain on paper towel.Serve and Delight your family and friends.
Birthday Egg Rolls One Medium Head Cabbage One 8 oz. can Bamboo Shoots Chicken Fillet 4-5 cups (whatever amount you want) Sauce: 3 Tbls. Soy Sauce 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. corn starch 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1-1 1/2 tsp bouillon or 1 cube Oil Egg Roll Wrappers
Help! I made it into the final 4 of the Have Travel Will Story contest. Please go to this site ... just click on this word and go to Because Mom said so...That's Why. Vote for Me!!!! Thank You. I really want to win :) If you click on any of those colored words they will take you to the page to vote. The voting is in a box to the right of the page. There is a little button next to the title Nudists and Lofts. Click on it to vote for my story.
A Hawaiian Honeymoon
6:00 pm May 7, 1988. Our wedding reception was scheduled to go from 4-6. An afternoon party was what we (I) had in mind. It was fun, we looked great, and we were married. I was so happy that I hadn't stopped smiling since well...Cycle Guy picked me up at 7am. (He wasn't Cycle Guy then, he was Student Guy) I'm sure I started smiling the moment I opened my parents front door to see him standing there ready and willing to marry me that morning.
Cycle Guy doesn't like being the center of attention (or even next to the attention, why did he marry me?) so this special day was a little uncomfortable for him.
Before the actual ceremony, the gentleman who married us asked us to look into each others eyes (in front of all of our friends and family? awkward...) So we stared obediently while he talked about the wonderful journey we were about to embark upon. Cycle Guy likes me and I felt a little less awkward after he winked.
Pictures at the temple. Luncheon. Pictures before the reception. Reception. Six PM. End of the reception?
It was time for the reception to be over. People were still around. We were ready to be done with the party and start the honeymoon. Cycle Guy gave me a look. A look like the one Kip gave LaFawnda when she knew it was time to ride off into the sunset on the horse Napoleon gave them as a wedding gift. Cycle Guy was ready to ride off into the sunset so... We left.
No more newlyweds. No good-byes. No rice. No confetti.
Early the next morning we flew to Hawaii with a first class upgrade. At that time I worked in the travel industry. Great benefits! He was a student, we were not rich. But because of my job it was cheaper for us to go to Hawaii (first class) than the local Motel 6. I know! Great benefits!
Go back in time six weeks... Jenny,"I'd like to make a reservation for one of your condos on May 8 for three nights. This is for my honeymoon, do you have a travel agent special?" Agent, "Oh congratulations! We have a special condo with a loft and we can give it to you for $19.00 a night." "Great! We'll take it!" Wow. How could it get any better than this. Hawaii for $19.00 a night. A first class flight And a LOFT! Visions of grandeur dancing in my little head.
My next call was to order a special Hawaii welcome for my new husband (at the time I couldn't use the word husband. Eeww) Cycle Guy would receive a lei and a kiss as he exited the plane just like The Brady Bunch. Polynesian Beauties waiting in grass skirts and colorful leis, I was sooo excited!
Reserve a rental car and my honeymoon was planned.
We were so happy to arrive. The air was humid and smelled delicious. "Let's go get our luggage and the car so we can get to the condo." Cycle Guy was excited to get out of the airport. I kept stalling...where were the Polynesian Beauties? Looking around, walking slowly, stalling... weren't they supposed to meet him as he walked off the plane? Bad enough that we didn't get off outside like the Brady's.
Argh.
E v e n t u a l l y, a lady (maybe she was Polynesian?) held up a sign with his name on it. We walked over to her and she handed him a lei and a card. No kiss, No draping the lei over his head. Well, Tatoo, we're not on Fantasy Island! And our name is definitely NOT Brady.
The Condo Company sent me a hand written map to their property. People told us repeatedly that Oahu is easy to navigate and we wouldn't have any problems. Faithfully we picked up the car and drove to the North Shore. My navigation skills were in their beginning stages. After six u-turns and our first impatient teeth gritting experience together we found the right road. Three u-turns after that we found the right condo.
We finally found our destination and we were on our honeymoon!
Ahhh, as we walked in we discovered a fruit basket on the table and a very nice card from management. Nice.
Where's the loft? Where's the bed? Back track... front door, tiny kitchen, fruit basket, bathroom, maybe that door goes to the loft? nope, closet. Living room, couch, sliding door to deck. No Loft? No Bed? I know I told them this was our honeymoon. Do you have to ask for a bed when you reserve a condo? I know they told me there would be a loft. No Bed? This was our honeymoon. Did I mention we couldn't find a bed?
Then Cycle Guy opened the closet. "What the... what is this? Is this a Murphy Bed?" Apparently the Hawaiian word for Murphy Bed is Loft. At least it was a bed. I think I saw Paige Davis use a Loft (Murphy Bed) on Trading Spaces once.
A fellow travel agent had given us directions to what she said was the most beautiful beach we would ever see. It would be a little hard to find. We already knew we didn't find things well together. Should we chance it? The next day after some rest, we decided to try. What's a Hawaiian Honeymoon without a perfect beach?
She had warned us that there was not a parking lot and that you had to hike through some trees to get there. (I don't know, should we have seen warning signs in all this?) The view was amazing. Majestic White Beaches. There were even some tents set up against the cliff. Cool, you can do that? As we walked out onto the beach we noticed a man dropping his pants as he walked toward the water. WHAT? Then we looked a little closer at the people. None of them were wearing anything. Another look from Cycle Guy. This one said, "Don't laugh til we get through the trees."
There must be something good about starting a marriage laughing. Twenty-one years later we've learned how to navigate (mostly. The GPS helps). We don't own a loft or a murphy bed and we've never been to another nude beach. And when our 18 year old son borrowed Dad's old sport coat he found a little card in the pocket welcoming Cycle Guy to Hawaii.
Life is good. (Better when you laugh!)
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This post is my entry for the Because Mom said so...That's Why contest Have Travel Will Story. I want to go on a trip to Connecticut and visit Rhonda and her family. So now your job is to go to her web site on Saturday and vote (well, you can vote for mine if it makes it into the top four anyway) I'm certain the stories will all be fun to read!
I wish that I had Duck Feet and I can tell you why. You can walk around in Duck Feet, you don't have to keep them dry. If I had two duck feet I could laugh at Big Bill Brown, I would say, you don't have duck feet these are all there are in town.
Theodor Seuss Geisel (pronounced /ˈgaɪzÉ™l/; March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991). An inspiration to all who knew him. Or knew of him. And definitely all who read, read and will read his books. My friend Dr. Seuss. I love Dr. Seuss.
Don't know what got me thinking about Dr. Seuss this morning. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I want to come up with bloggy names for my kids. I seek inspiration from my collection of Seussology. (Greg, is this a word?)
What do I call the kids when I write about them on my blog...don't want to use their real names. With a readership of 756 it would just be too dangerous to put that much information out there. (No, I don't have a readership of 756. But a girl can dream!!)
The man is Cycle Guy. That one's easy. Because. He. Is.
I'm trying to get ideas from the Dr. himself.
My oldest may be Thing 1. But Blinn the shin pinner might work as well. Then theres the Fuddnudler Brothers (Bipper, Bud, Skipper, Jipper, Jeffrey, and Jud, and then theres Horatio, Horace, Hendrix, and Hud, Dinwoodie, Dinty, and Dud, Fitzsimmon, Frederick, and Fud, Slinky, Stinkey, Stuart, and Stud, and down at the bottom is poor little Lud) ~I can see the Fuddnudler pyramid just thinking about it. I also like the way Zizzer Zazzer Zuz feels on my tongue but he (it?) is kind of creepy looking. and checkered. No, we're going with Thing 1. or Lud. (come on admit it, you said Zizzer Zazzer Zuz out loud didn't you?!)
Daughter one is gorgeous. She's my beaner. She gets prettier everyday. If she keeps this up we really will have to have boys start signing their own bullets.
I was always beeny boots. Jenette her beeny boots to be precise. There's a whole song. Maybe someday my Mom will let me film her singing it and I'll put it on youtube. til then you'll just have to take my word for it. We all (each of the six kids) had a song. My Mom is the original Kool Aid Mom. (are you from the 70's? Three words. Kool. Aid. Mom.)
Boy number two will be Coolio. Because he's cool. (Well, that and because he wanted to choose his own name.) or Boogie cuz the boy can really dance.
Daughter two is Fashionista. period.
New Kid is New Kid. or The Guzzler. We love him. So cheerful, helpful and happy. He's good to have around. I am trying to get him to live up to his reputation of being the milk guzzler of the century but I think he still feels a little guesty. Hopefully after he's been here a few weeks he'll be more comfortable and drink us out of milk.
The dog is Braxton. Oh. he. doesn't. smell. good. The world around us is wet. The yard is wet. Braxton "uses" the back yard. nuf said. Wait maybe not...He also barks in the back yard. Not a puppy but he digs in the back yard. Pioneer Woman...want another one?
Family. There is nothing better.
Sometimes it takes a lot of work to remember what it's all about. And, sometimes I need a reminder. Here is today's reminder:
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.The Family:A Proclamation to the World
I have a super cute friend named Kim. Yes, same one. I don't think she won the dress, though. too bad it really was made for her. We were kind of just acquaintances until we both found each others blogs. Now we're faithful readers and commenters.
(is that a word? Commenters? If my big brother Greg had made it up it would be. On our motor home trip to Mexico in 1980 while playing Boggle or Scrabble....He would say it counted. Greg was always making up new words so when someone asked if a word was in the dictionary we told them yes...Greg's Dicitonary....Gregtionary?)
Back on task...
Kim is having a givaway. She is very creative and she is making me something mysterious.Because I madeone of the first five comments on her blog today. Part of the contest is to pay it forward soooo I ..er..get to offer the same opportunity for you. Except that you get something made by me. That's the prize. Deal with it, it's the only way I can get something made by Kim.It might even be good! Maybe really good. Here are the rules and guidelines:
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For YOU!
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. Hopefully sooner than later.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be sewn, framed, written, vinyl or something totally random that I come up with on a whim. I may even bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? There is always a catch. This should probably be in small print! The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. Spread the love!
So, the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they are doing it too win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! (I know...that could either be cool or scary) Who knows! :)Be sure to post pictures of what you won when you recieve it! :)
Leave me a comment telling me that you're going to do it too. The first five get something amazing from me!
6:00 pm May 7, 1988. Our wedding reception was scheduled to go from 4-6. An afternoon party was what we (I) had in mind. It was fun, we looked great, and we were married. I was so happy that I hadn't stopped smiling since well...Cycle Guy picked me up at 7am. (He wasn't Cycle Guy then, he was Student Guy) I'm sure I started smiling the moment I opened my parents front door to see him standing there ready and willing to marry me that morning.
Cycle Guy doesn't like being the center of attention (or even next to the attention, why did he marry me?) so this special day was a little uncomfortable for him.
Before the actual ceremony, the gentleman who married us asked us to look into each others eyes (in front of all of our friends and family? awkward...) So we stared obediently while he talked about the wonderful journey we were about to embark upon. Cycle Guy likes me and I felt a little less awkward after he winked.
Pictures at the temple. Luncheon. Pictures before the reception. Reception. Six PM. End of the reception?
It was time for the reception to be over. People were still around. We were ready to be done with the party and start the honeymoon. Cycle Guy gave me a look. A look like the one Kip gave LaFawnda when she knew it was time to ride off into the sunset on the horse Napoleon gave them as a wedding gift. Cycle Guy was ready to ride off into the sunset so... We left.
No more newlyweds. No good-byes. No rice. No confetti.
Early the next morning we flew to Hawaii with a first class upgrade. At that time I worked in the travel industry. Great benefits! He was a student, we were not rich. But because of my job it was cheaper for us to go to Hawaii (first class) than the local Motel 6. I know! Great benefits!
Go back in time six weeks... Jenny,"I'd like to make a reservation for one of your condos on May 8 for three nights. This is for my honeymoon, do you have a travel agent special?" Agent, "Oh congratulations! We have a special condo with a loft and we can give it to you for $19.00 a night." "Great! We'll take it!" Wow. How could it get any better than this. Hawaii for $19.00 a night. A first class flight And a LOFT! Visions of grandeur dancing in my little head.
My next call was to order a special Hawaii welcome for my new husband (at the time I couldn't use the word husband. Eeww) Cycle Guy would receive a lei and a kiss as he exited the plane just like The Brady Bunch. Polynesian Beauties waiting in grass skirts and colorful leis, I was sooo excited!
Reserve a rental car and my honeymoon was planned.
We were so happy to arrive. The air was humid and smelled delicious. "Let's go get our luggage and the car so we can get to the condo." Cycle Guy was excited to get out of the airport. I kept stalling...where were the Polynesian Beauties? Looking around, walking slowly, stalling... weren't they supposed to meet him as he walked off the plane? Bad enough that we didn't get off outside like the Brady's.
Argh.
E v e n t u a l l y, a lady (maybe she was Polynesian?) held up a sign with his name on it. We walked over to her and she handed him a lei and a card. No kiss, No draping the lei over his head. Well, Tatoo, we're not on Fantasy Island! And our name is definitely NOT Brady.
The Condo Company sent me a hand written map to their property. People told us repeatedly that Oahu is easy to navigate and we wouldn't have any problems. Faithfully we picked up the car and drove to the North Shore. My navigation skills were in their beginning stages. After six u-turns and our first impatient teeth gritting experience together we found the right road. Three u-turns after that we found the right condo.
We finally found our destination and we were on our honeymoon!
Ahhh, as we walked in we discovered a fruit basket on the table and a very nice card from management. Nice.
Where's the loft? Where's the bed? Back track... front door, tiny kitchen, fruit basket, bathroom, maybe that door goes to the loft? nope, closet. Living room, couch, sliding door to deck. No Loft? No Bed? I know I told them this was our honeymoon. Do you have to ask for a bed when you reserve a condo? I know they told me there would be a loft. No Bed? This was our honeymoon. Did I mention we couldn't find a bed?
Then Cycle Guy opened the closet. "What the... what is this? Is this a Murphy Bed?" Apparently the Hawaiian word for Murphy Bed is Loft. At least it was a bed. I think I saw Paige Davis use a Loft (Murphy Bed) on Trading Spaces once.
A fellow travel agent had given us directions to what she said was the most beautiful beach we would ever see. It would be a little hard to find. We already knew we didn't find things well together. Should we chance it? The next day after some rest, we decided to try. What's a Hawaiian Honeymoon without a perfect beach?
She had warned us that there was not a parking lot and that you had to hike through some trees to get there. (I don't know, should we have seen warning signs in all this?) The view was amazing. Majestic White Beaches. There were even some tents set up against the cliff. Cool, you can do that? As we walked out onto the beach we noticed a man dropping his pants as he walked toward the water. WHAT? Then we looked a little closer at the people. None of them were wearing anything. Another look from Cycle Guy. This one said, "Don't laugh til we get through the trees."
There must be something good about starting a marriage laughing. Twenty-one years later we've learned how to navigate (mostly. The GPS helps). We don't own a loft or a murphy bed and we've never been to another nude beach. And when our 18 year old son borrowed Dad's old sport coat he found a little card in the pocket welcoming Cycle Guy to Hawaii.
Life is good. (Better when you laugh!)
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This post is my entry for the Because Mom said so...That's Why contest Have Travel Will Story. I want to go on a trip to Connecticut and visit Rhonda and her family. So now your job is to go to her web site on Saturday and vote (well, you can vote for mine if it makes it into the top four anyway) I'm certain the stories will all be fun to read!
Kites on the beach
Kool-Aid Mom
Kiwi
Kaleidoscope T-Shirts
Ketchup
Kool Aid
Killer Bunnies
Kites on the beach
Kool-Aid Mom
Kiwi
Kaleidoscope T-Shirts
Ketchup
Kool Aid
Killer Bunnies
